DeeDee grew up without ever “volunteering” — just helping.
“I never saw it as volunteering. I just helped out anybody who needed help. My mom instilled in us that if there’s someone in need, you help.”
Today, she “volunteers” at the Marcellus Community Food Pantry, a pantry directed by her mother, and at Mobile Food Pantries they host for the community. She’s joined by her 16-year-old daughter as well — three generations of hunger warriors serving neighbors in need!
DeeDee just moved to Marcellus, a small town in Cass County, from North Carolina last fall, but already knows her neighbors well. She’s quickly made friends with some of the regulars who receive food — for her, this is easy. She sees her own experience in theirs.
“There’s no judgment when people come. Everybody needs help at some point in their life. We did.”
A few years ago, DeeDee’s husband was in a horrible accident, but her community quickly stepped up to help the family and their three daughters.
“Our community came together, paid our rent, brought us groceries, let us use a car. I want people to feel the way we felt when our community came together with us,” she said.
After an illness put DeeDee’s life on hold last year, she moved to Marcellus to be closer to her mom. She had planned for the trip to be short-term, but now her family is here to stay. Staying there felt right, and she loves the tight-knit community.
“It’s a small town and everybody is in everybody’s business, but we’re also here to help,” she said. “We come together as a family.”
Whatever your need, DeeDee believes you shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help.
“Everyone needs help at some point, and that’s what we’re here for.”
18. DeeDee Stille
